PREVALENCE OF ACUTE RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN SAUDI ARABIAN CHILDREN: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY OF CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

Background: Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in children globally, with significant prevalence in Saudi Arabia due to environmental, socioeconomic, and healthcarerelated factors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ARIs among Saudi children and identify key risk factors contributing to their occurrence. Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted, involving 300 children aged 6 months to 12 years. Data were collected via structured interviews with parents/guardians and clinical record reviews. Variables included socio-demographics, environmental exposures, immunization status, and nutritional indicators. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests and logistic regression, were performed using SPSS version 26. Results: The prevalence of ARIs was 33%, with higher rates observed in children exposed to parental smoking (48.8%), poor indoor ventilation (50.9%), and indoor charcoal heating (51.4%). Incomplete immunization (60.3%) and underweight status (55.2%) were significant predictors of ARIs. Logistic regression confirmed strong associations between ARIs and incomplete immunization (OR = 3.2), underweight status (OR = 2.6), parental smoking (OR = 2.1), and poor ventilation (OR = 1.8). Conclusion: ARIs remain a major health concern among Saudi children, driven by modifiable risk factors such as environmental exposures, inadequate immunization, and malnutrition. Targeted public health interventions, including parental education, improved vaccination coverage, and better indoor air quality, are essential to reduce the burden of ARIs in this population.